TIRE BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Recycled Rubber Crumb Flooring
“Rubber crumb provides a springy surface. The riders have noticed
improved performance and reduced injuries in the horses.”
-
Susan Combs, Administrative Assistant
Location:
Humboldt County Fair, Ferndale, CA
Source: AgLink dba RubberBark
California tires diverted from landfills
: 8,331
Overview
: Humboldt County Fair hosts multiple equestrian events in their covered
riding arena. The original arena flooring was composed of mountain sand. During high
school rodeos and barrel races, horses would kick up dust that billowed into the eyes
and lungs of horses and humans. This was particularly troublesome for the 50 horses
that made their permanent homes at the arena perimeter.
The arena’s hard surface was also tough on the horses’ joints. After races on the
unyielding surface, riders noticed joint swelling, stiffness and soreness in the equine
athletes.
In 2007, with a $22,972 grant from CalRecycle, Humboldt County Fair purchased ¾”
black tire crumb rubber to lay on the 200’x100’ arena floor. This layer of recycled crumb
suppressed dust and for the first few years reduced maintenance labor.
The crumb also provided a springy cushion for the horses. Susan Combs, Humboldt
County Fair Administrative Assistant, noted that the horses’ competition times improved.
